Visit Goa – A Beach Paradise
Goa – A Beach Paradise
India, as mentioned before, offers various terrains and variety of travel options. One of my favorite options is to visit Goa.
STATE INTRODUCTION – GOA
Goa a tiny gem on an island on the western coast along the Arabian Sea. It is one of the most popular travel destination in India. Its Portuguese roots are evident in the historical facts, the magnificent 17th-century churches, and tropical plantations.
Goa is a fine cocktail of Portuguese and Indian cultures with flavors of sun, sea, sand, music, spirituality, and food.
Beach Life in Goa
An uninterrupted shimmering stretch of golden-beaches is what aptly describes Goa right from the tip to the toe. Every beach exudes its own personal style statement with reputations following them over the years.
The beaches have something to offer for every kind of traveler be it hippie kind goes to Anjuna, laid back to Mandrem Beach or the fishing village to Agonda, Palm scattered to the scenic Palolem, the backpacker’s delight Arambol and the loud and brash to Baga Beach.
My Favorite beach – Agonda !! It is in south Goa which is a serene and calm beachside. Not much of party scene there but its very raw and beautiful. This beach connects to some amazing spots which can be reached easily by a small road trip. Know more at my blog on South Goa.
My preferred vehicle in Goa – A two-wheeler Scooty – Easily available and I can take it anywhere hopping the beaches. One can easily get a bike or car too on rent.
My favorite vacation – When I step on Goan Beach 🙂
RESORTS OF GOA
Don’t miss to book few nights stay in the ultra luxurious resorts of Goa. if you plan in advance you can get a great deal.
I LOVE GOA
Adventure sports like water Jet Skiing, Banana Boat Rides, Scuba Diving, Parasailing, flyboarding, and windsurfing to name a few. The beaches to look out for these are Baga and Calangute.
My favorite adventure though is to pick up a bike and go beach hopping road trip crossing small Goan Villages and observing the gree beauty. I can do that over and over again.
PARTY SCENE
No one goes to Goa and misses the nightlife. No wonder it stands as the 6th Top 10 Nightlife cities in the world as per National Geographic Book.Its famous for Sunburn festival, New year Bash, and so many parties.
Goa attracts a large number of tourists to witness the Goan Carnival and celebrations during Christmas and New Year. Advance bookings are recommended if you are looking for reasonable rates for flights and hotels.
Spicy Goan Cuisine
The tantalizing spices and flavors of Goan Cuisine attract travelers from the world over. The choices are many like the spicy vindaloo laced with garlic, wine, and vinegar, khatkhate (Goan vegetable stew), classic xit koddi (fish curry and rice), breakfast of bread dipped in curry called bhali-pau and sorpotel.
During Christmas Goa is known for a rich egg-based sweet dish that is multi-layered called Bebinca.
Goan cuisine is typically influenced by the Portuguese and is mostly coconut based a must try for foodies be it from any country.
Cultural Heritage
Goa has outstanding Portuguese architecture from the colonial age a heritage since 1510 when the Portuguese ruled the land. Travelers are mesmerized by the age-old customs and traditions of the Catholics experienced at the magnificent Cathedrals of Old Goa with the music played at the ceremonies.
The popular tourist destinations are Fort Aguada and a new wax museum on the history of India to name a few. Bom Jesus Basilica (Cathedral )and Convents of old Goa are the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Goa. Yes ! Of course! Goa too has UNESCO Sites!
For the travel photographer and filmmakers the sundown on the beaches, old crumbling forts, the gleaming white colored churches and the baroque architecture are the perfect backdrop.
Spiritual Connect in Goa
Yes ! Goa has a major spiritual scene as well.Goa has something to offer for everyone interested in spiritual pursuits like short-term classes, training courses in yoga and world-famous spiritual retreats.
Winters are the best time of the year to travel and get that much-awaited tan while practicing Yoga. There are options other than yoga like Reiki healing, meditation retreats, t’chai sessions and much more.
Goa is very well connected by Rail, Road, Air, and Sea and is congenial to travel any time of the year. The state has tourism as its main industry from groomed sands sprawling in front of five-star properties to hidden shacks where you can eat, smell and experience the beach life at its closest.
I am off to booking my tickets to Goa once again now …… You do that too !! Also, share with us about your favorite beach destination.